John Kennedy describes the initial inundation of legal clinics with Black Lung cases, due largely to nonexistent dust control in underground mines and extremely limited access to physicians and lawyers who could help with disease management. He provides further insight into the issue by discussing the indifference of United Mine Workers (UMW) under the leadership of Tony Boyle, including the union’s opposition to the Black Lung Benefits Bill. For more information on John Kennedy’s involvement with the East Tennessee Research Corporation (ETRC) and work related to black lung, follow this link for footage of the full-length interview.
Recorded June 2018.